Boat-capsize in Sandwip: HC directs to compensate 18 victim families Tk 15 lakh each

The High Court today directed the government to give Tk 15 lakh each in compensation to the families of 18 victims who died in a boat-capsize at Sandwip channel of Chattogram on April 2, 2017.

Bangladesh Inland Water Transportation Corporation (BIWTC) and Chattogram District Council (CDC) have been ordered to pay the compensation to the victims' families in 60 days after receiving the HC verdict.

Delivering verdict on a writ petition, the HC asked BIWTC and CDC to compensate the victims' families through the upazila nirbahi officer of Sandwip. 

The court said in the verdict that the BIWTC and CDC will have to give the interest as per bank rate along with the compensation money if they fail to pay the compensation in 60 days.

The HC observed that BIWTC and CDC were negligent in discharging duties to ensure safe journey of victims at Sandwip channel and they are responsible for the boat capsize that caused the death of 18 people.

The negligence of BIWTC and CDC is illegal and unconstitutional, the HC bench of Justice Md Ashraful Kamal and Justice Razik-Al-Jali observed.

The HC bench came up with the verdict following a writ petition filed by Zahirul Islam, a Supreme Court lawyer and resident of Sandwip, in April 2018 -- seeking necessary directives on the authorities to give compensation to the victims' families.

The full text of the HC verdict was not released today.

Petitioner's lawyer Md Abdul Halim told The Daily Star that the HC in the judgement ordered the BIWTC and CDC to give the interest as per bank rate along with the compensation money if they fail to pay the victims' families.

He said BIWTC and CDC are responsible and duty bound to ensure safe journey of vessel passengers and their safe arrival to the shores of channels as per the Bangladesh Water Development Corporation (BIWTC) Order (President's Order No 28) of 1972 and the Inland Shipping Ordinance, 1976.

A boat capsized in Sandwip channel of Chattogram on April 4, 2017 causing death of 18 passengers. The incident occurred due to rough weather and tidal waves, the local administration reportedly had claimed. 

Lawyers Saifur Rashid and MG Mahmud appeared for BIWTC and CDC respectively while Deputy Attorney General Wayesh Al Haruni represented the state during hearing of the petition.